Italian Rice Salad Recipe

Get ready for your new favorite summer dish: Italian Rice Salad! This zesty, colorful salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, featuring juicy tomatoes, briny olives, crisp cucumbers, and plenty of fresh basil—all tossed in the most vibrant homemade Italian dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, potluck, or just a no-fuss lunch, this salad will impress every guest at your table (and it couldn’t be easier to make).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant Italian Rice Salad to life. Each ingredient plays a role: think bright pops of color, bursts of juicy flavor, and that signature herby Italian aroma. Don’t skimp—the magic is in the mix of fresh and tangy components!

• Cooked Rice (250g): Using pre-cooked or leftover rice makes this dish a breeze, and cold rice holds up perfectly to the dressing.
• Baby Plum Tomatoes (200g, quartered): These sweet little tomatoes bring a juicy, colorful spark to the salad.
• Red Onion (1, diced): Adds crunch, bite, and that subtle heat that balances out the tangy dressing.
• Black Olives (100g, halved): Their saltiness gives a fantastic Mediterranean punch and a little brininess.
• Cucumber (100g, diced): Cool and crisp—cucumber keeps every mouthful refreshing.
• Sweetcorn (200g, cooked and cooled): Sweetcorn adds a sunny sweetness and gorgeous yellow color.
• Fresh Basil (20g, sliced): Don’t skip the basil! It infuses the salad with aromatic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning brings every ingredient together—taste and adjust as you mix!
• Red Wine Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds essential zing to the homemade Italian dressing.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and freshens up the whole dish.
• Garlic (1 clove, finely chopped): Brings a subtle, savory kick that makes the dressing irresistible.
• Olive Oil (3 tbsp): For that silky, classic Italian vinaigrette texture.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): This secret weapon binds the dressing and adds gentle heat.
• Dried Oregano (2 tsp): Gives a traditional herby note that’s unmistakably Italian.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, the world of Italian Rice Salad becomes your playground! It’s so easy to mix things up with new flavors, colors, or dietary swaps—so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Add Cheese: Crumbled feta, mini mozzarella balls, or shaved Parmesan will add scrumptious creaminess and extra flavor.
• Protein Boost: Toss in diced grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or cannellini beans to make this a hearty main dish.
• Roasted Veggies: Swap in roasted peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and a beautiful look.
• Herb Twist: Swap basil with parsley, mint, or even a touch of dill for a fresh flavor profile.
• Whole Grain Option: Try brown rice, farro, or quinoa for a fiber-rich, nutty base that still soaks up that delicious dressing.

How to Make Italian Rice Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Italian Dressing

Start with the dressing so the flavors have a chance to mingle! Grab a small bowl (or a jar with a tight lid). Add the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, chopped garlic, olive oil, mustard, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk them together until emulsified, or shake well if using a jar. Set aside to let those bold Italian flavors really develop.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies

Grab a big salad bowl and add your cold cooked rice first—it’s the foundation for all the tasty toppings! Pile on the quartered baby tomatoes, diced onion, halved olives, cool cucumber, sweetcorn, and sliced basil. Each ingredient adds color, crunch, or Mediterranean flair, so take a moment to enjoy how gorgeous this salad looks already.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour your homemade Italian dressing all over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula, making sure every grain of rice and every veggie is kissed with that herby, zesty dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

Spoon the Italian Rice Salad onto a big platter for sharing or divide into individual bowls. If you have time, let it chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving—the flavors get even better. Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy the taste of Italy, right at your table!

How to Serve Italian Rice Salad

Garnishes

This vibrant salad loves to be dressed up! Top with extra fresh basil ribbons, a handful of chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of feta or shaved Parmesan for an eye-catching, flavor-boosting finish. A drizzle of olive oil or a grind of fresh black pepper just before serving brings everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Italian Rice Salad pairs perfectly with light grilled meats, crusty country bread, or a simple frittata. For a bigger Mediterranean spread, serve with antipasto platters, roasted vegetables, or a hearty bean salad—the whole table will feel like a celebration!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a big, shallow bowl for sharing at family gatherings, or scoop into small glasses or jars for a dazzling starter at a picnic. For potlucks, pack into a lidded container and garnish with basil just before serving—guaranteed to steal the show (and plenty of recipe requests) wherever it goes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Rice Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors just get brighter as they mingle, so leftovers are extra tasty for lunch—or even as a quick snack!

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad (the fresh veggies can become watery and lose their crunch), you can freeze cooked plain rice in advance. Just thaw and use as needed to whip up a fresh batch in minutes!

Reheating

Italian Rice Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! If you prefer it a little less chilled, take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving so the flavors shine.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish that’s equal parts easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, Italian Rice Salad is the hero you’re looking for. Give it a try for your next lunch, picnic, or potluck—you might just find yourself coming back for seconds (and thirds). Enjoy—and let the bright, fresh flavors transport you straight to sunny Italy!

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